Rep. Russo thanks Governor for heeding Dems' call to seek federal waiver for Medicaid

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today thanked Gov. Mike DeWine for announcing Ohio’s application for an 1135 waiver from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). On March 17, Rep. Russo joined State Reps. Thomas West (D-Canton) and Beth Liston (D-Dublin) in writing a letter to Ohio Department of Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran, Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton and Gov. DeWine requesting the administration to seek such a waiver.

“I applaud the actions of Governor DeWine and Director Corcoran in seeking an 1135 waiver from CMS,” said Rep. Russo.  “This action will reduce red tape and provide a powerful tool for increasing health care capacity, federal funding and access for Ohio’s most vulnerable families and children during this public health crisis.”

A waiver would allow Ohio to bolster telehealth services, waive signature requirements, ease obstacles to access nursing home care, allow alternative service locations and remove certain staffing level requirements.

Florida was the first state to receive an 1135 waiver from CMS, on March 17. To date, 49 other states have received an 1135 waiver in some form, according to information provided by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

*Editor’s Note: The original letter from Reps. Russo, West, and Liston requesting the administration to seek an 1135 waiver is attached.

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Rep. Russo thanks Governor for heeding Dems' call to seek federal waiver for Medicaid (PDF)